Kraken Struggle Defending Power Play, Drop Preseason Finale 4-3 to Canucks
Not able to muster late magic as they did the night before, the Seattle Kraken finished the preseason 3-1, falling to the Vancouver Canucks 4-3 on Saturday night at Rogers Arena.
Overall, Lane Lambert’s group looked solid, jumping out to an early two-goal lead. But a Ryan Winterton penalty gave the Canucks a late power play, which they capitalized on.
Mackie Samoskevich, who took a big hit on Thursday night, missed the game with a day-to-day upper-body injury. With players moving up the lineup as a result, Oscar Fisker-Mølgaard drew into his fourth preseason game on the bottom line. He might have beat out Curtis Douglas and Ben Meyers for the 13th forward roster spot, but that decision will be made official with the roster moves this week.
The Kraken got an early power play goal from Brandon Montour, his second of the preseason. Across the two games with the Kraken bonafide NHL’ers, the team went 1-of-4 on the power play. Bobby McMann continued his goal scoring ways as well, helping the Kraken build a 2-0 lead.
Analysis: Takeaways One Week Into Kraken Training Camp
Only a week after camp opened, the Seattle Kraken are already closing in on the end of their brief preseason slate. They completed two games last weekend, winning both of the matchups against the Canucks and Flames, before defeating Calgary again 4-3 on Thursday night at Climate Pledge Arena.
What have we learned about Lane Lambert’s squad in year two so far? Who has made the biggest impression? Let’s discuss three takeaways after a week of camp and three preseason contests:
Upstart youngsters get reassigned
Ty Nelson is making it increasingly difficult to ignore him. The 23-year-old defenseman scored in both of Seattle’s preseason games last weekend, including a goal in Sunday’s 4-2 victory over Calgary. But the goals are only part of what has made Nelson stand out. The problem for Nelson? Seattle has a crowded blue line, and the Kraken ultimately reassigned him to Coachella Valley following the weekend.
Outplayed for Two Periods, Kraken Storm Back for 4-3 Shootout Preseason Win vs. Flames
Final score notwithstanding, the Seattle Kraken were largely outplayed by the Calgary Flames’ AHL roster in their third preseason game on Thursday night. But a third period comeback allowed the home team to squeak out a 4-3 victory.
Even in a win, the Kraken were comfortably outshot 35-26 and had two players ejected. In total, there was 69 penalty minutes assessed in the game, but hockey can be a weird sport and despite the shot discrepancy not going in their favor, they finished on a strong note to erase a 3-1 deficit.
As opposed to the Flames, who more resembled the Calgary Wranglers, the Kraken iced their likely opening night roster. The only difference would be the fourth line of Curtis Douglas, Oscar Fisker-Mølgaard, and Ben Meyers making way for Jacob Melanson, Frederick Gadureau, and Ryan Winterton. The top-nine featured Matty Beniers with Jared McCann and Mackie Samoskevich, Chandler Stephenson alongside Jordan Eberle and Bobby McMann, and Berkly Catton centering Shane Wright and Kaapo Kakko. The defense was as expected.
Midway Through Preseason, Kraken Announce First Wave of Roster Cuts
After winning a pair of preseason games this weekend, the Seattle Kraken cut 26 players from their training camp on Monday. The majority of those players, including Jani Nyman, Ty Nelson, Jagger Firkus, Tyson Jugnauth, and Eduard Sale, were assigned to the Coachella Valley Firebirds, while three others were reassigned to their junior team.
In the aftermath of those moves, Kraken training camp now sits at 25 players with two exhibition games left and the season set to begin on October 1.
Notably, this means centers Jake O’Brien and Oscar Fisker-Mølgaard and defenseman Ville Ottavainen have shown enough in preseason games and training camp to stick around for the next two games at minimum. O’Brien should earn another preseason game, but is a longshot considering the solidified center group the Kraken possess. Fisker-Mølgaard has the versatility to play wing or center on the fourth line, but is battling Ryan Winterton, Jacob Melanson, Curtis Douglas, Ben Myers, and Frederick Gaudreau. It’ll be tough for the youngster to beat out two of those players.
Kraken Win Second Preseason Game with Unproven Roster, Edge Flames 4-2 at Climate Pledge
Sunday night’s Seattle Kraken preseason game was closer to the Coachella Valley Firebirds versus the Calgary Wranglers than it was to Kraken versus the Calgary Flames. Truthfully, we learned more about the Seattle Kraken projected roster from who was not in the lineup.
But nonetheless, the Kraken still handled business with a 4-2 win at Climate Pledge Arena.
Ty Nelson scored a second preseason goal and continued his strong camp. As of now, he’s the main young defenseman making a bid for a roster spot for the Kraken. Nelson led defensemen in ice time tonight and, at 5-on-5, Seattle outshot Calgary 18-9 with Nelson on the ice. Per Natural Stattrick, Nelson was a positive in every metric they track.
“He certainly has a little bit of a knack for joining offensively, but [he has] a really good head on his shoulders defensively,” head coach Lane Lambert said of Nelson. “And he skates well, so he can close quickly. That’s important to be able to do in this league, because if you don’t and you’re a step behind, the puck ends up in the back of your net.”
Kraken Depth Shines in 4-2 Preseason Win vs. Canucks
The Seattle Kraken iced a roster of depth and bubble players, against a Vancouver Canucks team of a similar caliber. Still, the Kraken took care of business with a 4-2 win, where the team showed the wealth of talent battling for spots in the bottom of the lineup.
Seattle didn’t have any of their certain top-nine forwards (Jared McCann, Matty Beniers, Jordan Eberle, Bobby McMann, Chandler Stephenson, Mackie Samoskevich, Shane Wright, Kaapo Kakko, and Berkly Catton) play in the game. The “top line” featured Oscar Fisker-Mølgaard centering Frederik Gaudreau and Jani Nyman. Only one other line featured NHL hopefuls: Jake O’Brien with Jacob Melanson and Ben Myers.
Defensively, the Kraken also played more fringe roster players in Ryan Lindgren, Ville Ottavainen, Josh Mahura, Tyson Jugnauth, Cale Fleury, and Ty Nelson. Joey Daccord was pulled after saving all 14 shots he faced, and Nike Kokko allowed two goals on six shots.
PODCAST: Kraken Kick Off Training Camp, Aims to Make Strides in Lane Lambert’s Second Season
A new season has officially arrived for the Seattle Kraken, and though expectations outside the organization remain relatively low after missing the postseason a year ago, the team hopes to turn the corner in Lane Lambert's second season.
Kraken the Ice host Nick Lee discusses Seattle's choices for captain alternates behind Jordan Eberle, breaks down what fans should be keeping a close eye on during the Kraken's preseason slate, and revisits playoff odds with the offseason now in the rear view mirror as camp gets underway.
Kraken Set Their Leadership Group, Tab Jordan Eberle as Captain With Four Alternates
It’s just about hockey season. And that means announcing captains and alternates. The Seattle Kraken are heading into the 2026-27 season with a familiar face leading the way and two defensemen officially taking on larger leadership roles with a few returning faces.
The Kraken announced Wednesday that Jordan Eberle will serve as team captain for a third consecutive season, while defensemen Vince Dunn and Brandon Montour have been named alternate captains. They join returning alternate captains Matty Beniers and Adam Larsson to form Seattle's leadership group.
Eberle's continued presence at the top of the group provides the Kraken with a steady veteran voice as the franchise enters another important season. The 36-year-old has worn the captain's “C” since the 2024-25 season and has become one of the team's most recognizable leaders both on and off the ice. He led the squad in goals last season with 26.
But perhaps the most interesting part of this year's announcement is the decision to give Dunn and Montour the “A.” Neither selection comes as a major surprise when looking at how both defensemen have grown into leadership roles in Seattle.
Analysis: 5 Kraken Youngsters to Watch at Rookie Camp
Ushering in a new season, rookie camp begins for the Seattle Kraken on Friday. For many Kraken youngsters, rookie camp and the scrimmage against the Vancouver Canucks’ rookies on September 12 and 13 are just the typical preseason rituals. Many of these players will return to their junior team after training camp or are already penciled into the Coachella Valley Firebirds lineup.
But for some of these players, rookie camp serves as an extension of training camp. As part of the new NHL and NHLPA Collective Bargaining Agreement, there’s only four preseason games and training camps were shortened. As a result, many NHL teams have invited youngsters on the bubble of the roster to get them playing early and make early assessments on their opening night rosters.
Looking towards rookie camp, which players bear watching with eyes on earning an AHL or NHL role?
Jani Nyman
Nyman has played parts of two seasons in the NHL and been a great scorer in the AHL. He averaged just 10:34 of ice time when he played in the NHL last season, and had four goals and seven points in 28 games, not taking quite the jump the organization hoped.
The 22-year-old Nyman is still waivers exempt, and is in a crowded forward group. His previous NHL games played and 49 goals in 117 AHL games might not matter. On the NHL roster, the Kraken has offensive winger options like Jared McCann, Jordan Eberle, Kaapo Kakko, Berkly Catton, and Mackie Samoskevich, who was acquired from the Florida Panthers this offseason. Competing for fourth line minutes, there’s also still recently re-signed Jacob Melanson, Curtis Douglas, Ryan Winterton, and Ben Myers.
‘Thrilled to Be Back’: Kraken Re-sign Jacob Melanson to Three-Year Deal
Locking up one of their young players for the foreseeable future, the Seattle Kraken re-signed winger Jacob Melanson to three-year, $4.35 million contract on Friday. The deal carries a $1.45 AAV and the 23-year-old will remain a restricted free agent when it expires.
The 6-1 Melanson played 36 games with the Kraken last season, scoring two goals and five points. He had nine goals and 19 points in 28 games with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, adding a goal and five points in 11 AHL playoff games for the team. That was a big step up from 2024-25, where Melanson tallied eight goals and 13 points in 42 games with Coachella Valley.
Such improvements provided more than enough reason for the Kraken to extend Melanson, a player who they believe could have more room to grow in coming years.
“We’re excited to re-sign Jacob,” general manager Jason Botterill said in the team’s press release. “He brought a lot of physicality and energy to our group last season, and we’re looking forward to seeing more from him these next few years.”
BREAKING: Shane Wright ‘Fully Committed’ to the Kraken, Per Agent
Seattle Kraken center Shane Wright was reportedly set to be traded this offseason. Contrary to that reporting, Wright’s agent Kurt Overhardt tells the Emerald City Spectrum that the young center is “fully committed” to Seattle as of now.
“There is nothing we can discuss right now, we will see how things develop over the next few weeks,” Overhardt shared in a statement. “Until that time, Shane is fully committed to the Kraken and that is all he is focused on now.”
In July, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman reported that Wright’s camp was working with general manger Jason Botterill on a trade. Other executives who’ve spoken to Seattle said there’s obviously an agreement between team and agent to work together, but the Kraken made it extremely clear they expect a fair price and won’t be pressured into anything they don’t want to do.
Overhardt agreed with that reporting, telling the insider, “I can confirm that we have had positive conversations with GM Jason Botterill, and he has agreed to move Shane this summer to a team in need of a top young center.”
Analysis: Shane Wright, Seattle Kraken Need One Another After Rumor-Filled Offseason
Former top-five NHL draft pick Shane Wright and his camp reportedly were working on a trade from the Seattle Kraken early this offseason, and his time with the organization appeared to be coming to an end.
But with no movement yet on the trade front and training camp beginning later this month, it’s possible - if not probable - Wright at least starts next season in Seattle. And that could be best situation for his development and career.
Last season, the 2022 fourth overall pick played 74 games and finished with 24 points, good for ninth on the team. Wright averaged 13:48 of ice time, which was 10th among Seattle forwards. His ice time peaked in February, where he missed most of the month with injury, but averaged 15:40 of ice time through five games. Wright’s scoring and ice time dwindled alongside the Kraken’s playoff chances in the closing stretch.
While these numbers are underwhelming considering Wright’s promise and draft position, it’s in the player and organization’s best interest to play out this season. Wright has one year remaining on his entry level contract and will be a restricted free agent next summer, and quite frankly, there’s two big reasons why staying put would serve him and the organization well in 2026-27.
Analysis: Ranking Kraken’s Top Five Prospects Heading Into 2026-2027 Season
The Seattle Kraken are set to begin their preseason schedule in roughly three weeks. The franchise has undergone something of a facelift this offseason, starting with Ron Francis stepping down as president, giving Jason Botterill a larger role than just general manager.
With that change at the top of command, the Kraken made a few trades and signings that will make the NHL roster look a little different to begin this season than it did 12 months ago.
One of the biggest moves the Kraken made was drafting defenseman Chase Reid seventh overall in the 2026 NHL Draft. He instantly legitimizes the prospect pipeline for Seattle, a group that ranks sixth-best in the NHL according to The Athletic’s Corey Pronman. They have the talent in the organization to build into a winner. The big questions are: can the Kraken develop them properly and which prospects are at the top of the list?
One of the biggest moves the Kraken made was drafting defenseman Chase Reid seventh overall in the 2026 NHL Draft. He instantly legitimizes the prospect pipeline for Seattle. One that ranks sixth-best in the NHL according to The Athletic’s Corey Pronman. They have the talent in the organization to build into a winner. The big questions are- can the Kraken develop them properly and which prospects are at the top of the list?
Analysis: Kraken Could Target Two Carolina Hurricanes Players
It’s the dog days of the NHL offseason, and the Seattle Kraken have still not made significant changes to their roster.
That could be part of the plan for general manager Jason Botterill, as the Kraken could stand pat and wait to make any significant moves until the 2027 NHL Trade Deadline.
As of now, the Kraken have some glaring weaknesses that could hold them back. The team’s center depth, even with Shane Wright, is subpar. Seattle’s defense is solid but has just one player under-25. Outside of top prospect Chase Reid, the future of the blue line is questionable.
The reigning Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes have also stood pat this offseason. And, why shouldn’t they? Their roster had no weaknesses last season and the majority of their core is signed to reasonable contracts. But the Hurricanes have some unfinished business still to take care of, and the Kraken could help.
Alexander Nikishin
It is curious why 24-year-old Alexander Nikishin remains a restricted free agent this deep into the offseason. Before coming overseas for the 2025 playoffs, Nikishin was a dominant KHL defenseman.
In 2025-26, his first full NHL season, Nikishin performed well. He was a great third pair defenseman, whose role elevated when players went down with injury. He had 11 goals and 33 points in 81 games. He finished seventh in Calder Trophy voting, the league’s Rookie of the Year.
Bigger Roles, Bigger Stat Lines: 2 Kraken Set to Break Out This Season
The NHL preseason is still a month away. Seattle Kraken news is slow as we enter the dog days of summer and the NHL offseason, but there is a light at the end of the tunnel with hockey not being that far away from returning, as camp opens in September.
Let’s take a look at the Kraken roster as it stands today and discuss two breakout candidates. When naming a “breakout” candidate, this does not necessarily mean they are going to compete for the Hart Trophy. It means that they could be poised to take another step in their development and even put together career years.
Ryker Evans, D
Evans is a 24-year-old left-shot defenseman, selected 35th overall by the Kraken in the 2021 NHL Draft. It has been a slow burn for Evans since then, rising through the ranks of the WHL and AHL, earning his stripes in Regina and then Coachella Valley. Over the last two seasons, he finally set himself into the main rotation of blue liners in Seattle, playing in 73 games in 2024-25 and 67 last season for the Kraken.
Analysis: Two Non-Shane Wright Trades for Kraken to Explore
All offseason, Seattle Kraken fans have heard about a possible trade that would ship young center Shane Wright out of town. Reports came out earlier in the offseason that the Kraken and Wright were on the same page in moving forward with trading the former No. 4 overall pick.
However, rumors have stalled. As of now, Wright still remains on the roster. A trade does not feel like a guarantee.
Even still, Jason Botterill and company can upgrade the roster elsewhere. The Kraken have the second-most cap space in the NHL, according to PuckPedia.com. They have the resources to acquire a player with a sizable paycheck to make a difference on the roster.
Kraken the Ice: Busting Out the Trade Machine Seeking Mid-August Upgrades
It's a slow time of the year on the NHL calendar, but it's not out of the question to see trades in the heat of August as teams continue to tweak their rosters for the rapidly approaching new season.
Emerald City Spectrum writer Nick Lee breaks out the trade machine exploring three different deals the Kraken could do to improve their team and/or add draft capital for the future in a jam-packed Kraken the Ice, including the latest idea to move former top-five pick Shane Wright to a hated rival.
With Cap Space to Spare, Kraken Need to Upgrade Offense
The NHL offseason has hit the dog days. Gone are the draft and the initial wave of free agency. The Seattle Kraken made a flurry of moves early, trading for and then extending Mackie Samoskevich and re-signing deadline acquisition Bobby McMann. They added physical forward Curtis Douglas as well, likely to be towards the bottom of the lineup.
What they still lack is a true, proven difference maker. That still can come from their own ranks, like Matty Beniers, Berkly Catton, or Kaapo Kakko. But it feels like the Kraken are going to continue to spin their tires in the mud until either one rises to the occasion or they bring in a mercenary who can get the puck in the net.
According to PuckPedia, the Kraken have the second-most cap space at the moment, with $18.41 million still at their disposal. They also have the least amount of their cap tied up in money toward forwards in the entire NHL. For reference, the reigning Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes rank third in that category. It pays to have forwards who score goals and get paid.
Two veteran free agents remain available for anyone, including the Kraken, to sign.
Analysis: Which Kraken Prospects Will Earn a Spot in 2027 World Junior Championships?
Five Seattle Kraken prospects participated at last week’s World Junior Summer Showcase, but it remains to be seen how many of those players will make their country’s 2027 World Junior Championships roster this December.
The WJC features 10 nations and their best under-20 players. The 2027 WJC begins on December 26 later this year. Last week’s WJSS gave USA, Canada, Sweden, and Finland an opportunity to face one another and assess their projected rosters.
At the Windsor, Ontario showcase, recent seventh overall pick Chase Reid returned as the top Team USA defenseman while 2025 seventh-rounder Loke Krantz had an elevated role as one of few returning players for Team Sweden. Jake O’Brien was not at the tournament, but should make Team Canada.
Other Kraken prospects such as USA’s Blake Fiddler and Casey Mutryn and Sweden’s Ola Palme were invited to the showcase, but aren’t expected to make their country’s WJC roster this December.
Analysis: Entering Rookie AHL Season, What’s Jake O’Brien’s NHL Future With Kraken?
Even though he missed 15 games due to injury, Jake O’Brien led the OHL in assists last season. As a 19-year-old, he is now eligible to make the jump to the AHL next season under the new NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement.
What does the Seattle Kraken’s 2025 first-rounder do at an elite level? How can he improve? Is he ticketed for the Coachella Valley Firebirds next season? His Brantford Bulldogs assistant coach Vince Laise and Dobber Prospects scout Alex Wyatt weighed in, taking a closer look at the prospect as he works to get closer to making his NHL debut.
In 53 games last season, O’Brien put up 28 goals and a team-leading 93 points. The last two seasons, O’Brien has had the OHL’s leading goal scorer on his wing. While that’s in part because Brantford built a talented roster that went deep in the OHL playoffs the last two seasons, it’s also because O’Brien’s a top-tier playmaker. Three-quarters of O’Brien’s assists were primary assists last season.
“He didn't look like he was trying to force something,” Wyatt wrote. “He wasn't playing the [video game] version of hockey where he's just whipping in these passes that end up losing possession. He played a more mature game. He slowed things down a little bit, and that gave the team time to get ready for those passes to mean something.”
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